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“Part 2: A Difficult Path - Overcoming Fear”

Whenever the path grows difficult for us, whenever we enter the valley of the shadow and feel as if the worst has happened, it is easy to struggle with being shortsighted and earthly minded. Fear may seem like a natural or even reasonable response to situations and circumstances that threaten you.

When Peter tried to talk Jesus out of what was coming next (suffering and death), Jesus strongly rebuked him. I believe such thoughts of taking the easier way come from a place of fear. We can’t imagine how we’ll get through a painful ordeal, so we want to take the first way out we see. We don’t want to suffer, uncertain of when—or if—we will come out the other side.

Do you know that your brain is not designed to fear but it is hard-wired for love? Fear is not a natural response, despite what you may believe. Fear is a learned response and that is actually good news. Why? If you can learn to fear, you can also learn not to fear.

The answer to overcoming fear is faith. Faith is not automatic; it is a choice you make to believe God’s love for you and the integrity of His Word. Hebrews 13:5 says,

“...for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (AMP)

He has promised to never leave us or forsake us and that He will guide us through our darkest days. When you walk through the valley of the shadow, when you turn a corner and perceive a difficult path filled with pain and heartache ahead, you can only go forward. With God on your side you can confidently proclaim in the face of fear: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps. 23:6)

What fear do you need to conquer today through faith?

Prayer: Lord, I lean on You and ask You to strengthen and support me in the face of fear. I choose to trust in Your unfailing love to carry me through the other side to victory.